Alvar Aalto: Critical Studies

3 units

This seminar's overall objective is the exploration and comprehension of 20th century Finnish, Nordic and world architectural culture through the significant works of Finnish architect Alvar Aalto (1898-1976). The emblematic works include the Paimio Sanatorium (1932), the Villa Mairea (1937), the Helsinki University of Technology (1948), the Säynätsalo Civic Center (1953), the Finnish Pensions Institute (1956), and the Vuoksenniska Church (1958). The full range of design scales will be examined, from door handles, details and furniture, to housing, public buildings and urban designs. This larger survey will provide for focus specifically on the research, documentation and physical and digital modeling of Aalto's designs for Finland's World's Fair Pavilions in Paris (1937) and New York (1939), at the specific request of the Alvar Aalto Foundation and Museum, for inclusion in their ongoing research archive and as the basis for a future publication. Further discussions will relate Aalto's work to a growing body of critical appraisals and to contemporary architectural practices. Weekly course meetings, weekly readings, individual and group presentations, individual and group research papers/projects. Optional field trip to Finland at spring break. Fulfills History/Theory elective requirement.